What is Aircraft Landing? Technical Explanation

Aircraft landing is a complex maneuver that involves several key phases and considerations to ensure a safe and controlled touchdown on the runway.

Aircraft landing, from a technical perspective, involves several critical phases:

1. Approach: During this phase, the aircraft descends from its cruising altitude to the prescribed altitude for landing, typically around 50 feet above the runway. Pilots follow specific approach procedures, including configuring the aircraft for landing by extending flaps and lowering landing gear. They also adjust airspeed to ensure a stable approach.
2. Final Approach: In the final approach phase, the aircraft aligns with the runway and prepares for touchdown. Pilots aim to maintain a stable descent rate and airspeed while adjusting pitch, throttle, and other controls as necessary to remain on the correct glide path. They closely monitor aircraft instruments and visual references to ensure proper alignment with the runway.
3. Flare and Touchdown: As the aircraft approaches the runway threshold, pilots initiate the flare maneuver to reduce the rate of descent and transition to a shallow descent angle. The goal is to achieve a smooth touchdown on the main landing gear followed by the nose gear. Pilots carefully manage aircraft pitch, thrust, and control inputs to achieve a soft and controlled landing.
4. Rollout: After touchdown, the aircraft enters the rollout phase, during which pilots maintain directional control using the rudder and nosewheel steering. The aircraft decelerates as aerodynamic drag, wheel brakes, and, if applicable, reverse thrust help slow its forward motion. Pilots must ensure that the aircraft remains centered on the runway during rollout.
5. Taxiing: Once the aircraft has slowed to a safe speed, pilots taxi the aircraft off the runway using engine power and braking as needed. They follow taxiway markings and air traffic control instructions to navigate to the designated parking area or terminal gate. During taxiing, pilots retract flaps and complete post-landing checklists to secure the aircraft.

Throughout the landing process, pilots must consider factors such as wind conditions, runway length, aircraft weight, and operational procedures to ensure a safe and successful landing. Effective communication and coordination among flight crew members are essential for executing a smooth landing maneuver.

Aircraft Landing Phases

Aircraft landing, from a technical standpoint, involves two main phases:

1. Path in the Air (V_A ≥ V ≤ V_Touch):
   • Final Approach: During this phase, the aircraft descends steadily towards the runway while maintaining a specific airspeed known as the final approach speed, typically around 1.3 times the stall velocity (V_S) of the aircraft in the landing configuration. Pilots adjust the aircraft’s pitch, throttle, and configuration (such as extending flaps and landing gear) to maintain a stable descent profile.
   • Transition: As the aircraft approaches the runway threshold, it performs a transition from the descent path to the horizontal plane of the runway. This transition is typically achieved by executing a controlled flare maneuver to reduce the rate of descent and establish a shallow descent angle. The touchdown velocity (V_Touch) is approximately 1.15 times the stall velocity (V_S).
2. Rolling on the Ground (V_Touch ≥ V ≥ 0):
   • Rolling with Aft Wheels: After touchdown, the nose of the aircraft rotates downwards, and the aircraft continues rolling with only the aft wheels in contact with the runway surface. During this phase, pilots maintain directional control using the rudder and nosewheel steering.
   • Rolling with All Wheels: As the aircraft’s speed decreases further, the nosewheel settles onto the runway, and the aircraft continues rolling until it comes to a complete stop. Pilots use wheel brakes, aerodynamic drag, and, if equipped, reverse thrust to decelerate the aircraft.

During both phases of the landing maneuver, pilots carefully manage aircraft controls and monitor various parameters such as airspeed, altitude, and descent rate. Effective communication between flight crew members and adherence to standard operating procedures are essential to ensure a safe and successful landing. Additionally, post-landing procedures, including taxiing to the terminal or parking area, securing the aircraft, and completing required checklists, are performed to conclude the landing operation.